Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis.
Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search.
Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page.
All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified.
This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.
NASA-related Committee Assignments or Caucuses
Member, Planetary Science Caucus
Overall Summary
Representative Smith's membership in the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus and the significant NASA science contracts awarded to companies like Blue Origin in Kent for lunar and Mars exploration, and Sequoia Scientific in Bellevue for Earth science instruments, provide strong local economic and scientific arguments for continued investment. These direct benefits to his district, coupled with his general support for federal investment in innovation, suggest a foundational receptiveness to NASA's science mission.
However, advocates will likely face challenges given Representative Smith's consistent emphasis on fiscal responsibility, competing domestic priorities such as healthcare and housing, and a strong focus on national security space. While there's a clear local stake in NASA science, securing increased funding will require a compelling case that directly links these investments to his broader economic and innovation goals amidst a tight budget environment and proposed cuts to science programs.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider researching the specific work being done by Blue Origin in Kent and Sequoia Scientific in Bellevue on NASA science contracts, and be prepared to discuss how these projects create high-tech jobs and foster innovation within his district.
Explore how increased investment in NASA's space science activities, especially planetary science, directly supports the goals of the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus he co-chairs and fosters bipartisan collaboration on national priorities.
Look into how NASA science investments, particularly in Earth science and technology development, can contribute to solutions for his domestic priorities like green energy and climate resilience, or enhance national security through technological innovation.
About Adam Smith
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fordham University (1987).
Earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law (1990).
Worked as a prosecutor for the city of Seattle and a pro tem judge.
Previously served in the Washington State Senate from 1991 to 1997.
No direct professional background in STEM or space fields.
Opportunities
Planetary Science Caucus Membership: Representative Smith's membership in the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus demonstrates a direct interest in and support for space science, research, and exploration, including efforts to find life and mitigate near-Earth objects. (The Planetary Society, 2023-02)
Local Planetary Science and Exploration Contracts: NASA has awarded significant contracts to Blue Origin, LLC in Kent, WA, for Commercial Lunar Payload Services and studies related to Mars sample return, directly supporting planetary science and exploration objectives. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Local Earth Science Contracts: Sequoia Scientific, Inc in Bellevue, WA, received a NASA contract for a submersible ocean instrument, demonstrating local involvement in and benefit from NASA's Earth science activities. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
General Support for Innovation and Investment: Representative Smith's public statements emphasize the importance of federal investment in innovation, infrastructure, and programs that grow the economy and create jobs, which aligns with the benefits of NASA science funding. (Congressman Adam Smith, House.gov, 2023-05)
Bipartisan Engagement on Space Issues: His membership in the Congressional Planetary Science Caucus, which is explicitly described as a bipartisan initiative, demonstrates a willingness to collaborate across party lines on space science and exploration. (The Planetary Society, 2023-02)
Challenges
Competing Domestic Priorities: Representative Smith consistently prioritizes a broad range of domestic issues, including affordable housing, healthcare, education, and green energy, which could compete with increased investment in NASA science activities. (Adam Smith for Congress, undated)
Fiscal Scrutiny and Budget Constraints: Representative Smith advocates for fiscal responsibility and making tough budget choices, noting that all budget areas seek more funding while the national debt rises, potentially leading to scrutiny of NASA's budget for growth. (USNI News, 2024-05-09)
Strong Emphasis on National Security Space: Representative Smith's public statements frequently highlight national security space objectives, such as protecting space systems and deterring aggression, which could potentially divert attention or resources from civil space science and exploration. (House Armed Services Committee - Democrats, 2023-09-15)
Vulnerability of NASA Science to Proposed Cuts: Recent White House budget proposals have included significant cuts to NASA's space and Earth science divisions, indicating a political dynamic where these areas can be targeted in broader budget discussions. (Spaceflight Now, 2025-05-03)
Additional Sources
[1] adamsmith.house.gov
"Community Project Funding Project Details FY26. Rep. Adam Smith submitted the following Community Project Funding requests to the House Committee on Appropriations for consideration in the FY 2026 appropriations bill.Submitting projects to the..."
https://adamsmith.house.gov/CPFFY26
[2] adamsmith.org
"Harry Reid’s Ring of Power. 17 Nov. The expansion of government is both accelerative and fracturing. As the power of Washington grows, the incentive to possess and wield it increases. Unlimited capacity in the hands of the wrong people spells..."
https://www.adamsmith.org/blog/harry-reids-ring-of-power-1